Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Two Candidates Advance in Thai Sports Authority Chief Selection

Two deputy directors advance as finalists for Thai Sports Authority chief after screening eliminated eight of ten applicants; they'll face English proficiency tests and interviews in August 2026.

Two Candidates Advance in Thai Sports Authority Chief Selection
7 Aug Khaosod

The selection committee for the Thai Sports Authority (SAT) director has screened all applicants and advanced only two candidates who meet full qualifications out of the 10 who originally applied. Dr. Meehai Inwoed, SAT Deputy Director for Administration, and Proddawan Samanmit, SAT Deputy Director for Professional and Boxing Sports, will now proceed to the next stages: English language proficiency testing on August 10, 2026, and formal interviews on August 13, 2026.

The SAT opened recruitment for the director position between July 15–29, 2026, attracting 10 total applicants. On August 7, 2026, the selection committee—chaired by Natthariya Weewongse, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports—announced the list of fully qualified candidates.

The English language testing will take place on August 10 at the Tewawongse Institute of Diplomacy, Building B (Rajpatharanabhakdi Building), 7th Floor, Door 1 (Lift E2). Dr. Meehai Inwoed is scheduled for 9:30–9:50 a.m., and Proddawan Samanmit for 9:50–10:10 a.m. Their English test scores will be combined with their interview scores.

Interviews will follow on August 13 at the Strategy and Planning Division meeting room, 9th Floor, Ministry of Tourism and Sports Office (Building C), Chaeng Wattana Road, starting at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Meehai Inwoed's interview is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and Proddawan Samanmit's for 11:00 a.m.

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National

Thai Parliament Chief Visits Vietnam, Deepens Drug-Fight Cooperation

Thailand's Parliament Speaker visited Hanoi to study Vietnam's drug rehabilitation programs, seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation on drug prevention as the nations mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. The delegation explored Vietna

Thai Parliament Chief Visits Vietnam, Deepens Drug-Fight Cooperation
7 Aug Khaosod

On August 7, 2026, Parliament Speaker and House President Sophon Saram led a Thai parliamentary delegation, accompanied by Ambassador Urawadee Sripirm at Bangkok's embassy in Hanoi, to study drug prevention and treatment programs at Hanoi's Drug Rehabilitation and Recovery Center in Hien Bay district. Senior Colonel Nguyen Duc Long, deputy commander of Hanoi police, received the group and briefed them on the city's drug situation and rehabilitation approach.

Sophon said the visit marks 50 years of Thai-Vietnamese diplomatic relations and aims to exchange knowledge and best practices on security, especially drug prevention and control—issues affecting public quality of life and national security. He expressed interest in Vietnam's rehabilitation system to identify suitable models for developing Thai policy and law. Vietnam's delegation noted that drug users are patients requiring treatment, with the state funding medical, psychological, and vocational rehabilitation lasting about two years for first-time users. Drug dealers and smugglers face criminal penalties up to capital punishment, with Hanoi aiming to become drug-free by 2030.

Sophon acknowledged Thailand's ongoing challenges with drug abuse among youth and disagreement over the legal status of drug users, noting Vietnam's experience in both rehabilitation and law enforcement would benefit Thai policymaking. He confirmed Thailand's parliament is ready to advance drug laws and international cooperation mechanisms, intercept cross-border trafficking, and protect youth from drug threats. Sophon then paid respects to Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam, discussing expanded cooperation across economics, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people relations, including the Thai-Vietnamese communities in Thailand's northeastern region. Sophon praised growing tourism and investment between the nations and pledged parliamentary support for Vietnamese business investment in Thailand while working to remove legal obstacles for both countries' entrepreneurs.

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National

Central Retail Completes MaxValu Acquisition, Rebrand to Tops

Central Retail completed its acquisition of the 30-store MaxValu supermarket chain and will rebrand all locations under the Tops banner to expand its food retail network nationwide.

Central Retail Completes MaxValu Acquisition, Rebrand to Tops
7 Aug Khaosod

Central Retail Corporation (CRC) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Central Food Retail Limited (CFR) has completed the acquisition of all common shares in AEON (Thailand) Limited, the operator of the MaxValu supermarket chain with 30 locations nationwide.

CFR will hold 100% of AEON (Thailand) Limited's registered capital of 890 million baht. The acquisition aligns with CRC's strategy to strengthen its food business division by expanding CFR's supermarket network in strategic locations and immediately gaining access to over 900,000 customers.

Beyond the store locations, CFR has acquired ownership of valuable land assets and a ready-to-eat food production center, which will enhance the company's production capabilities and allow for greater product differentiation in its prepared food offerings.

Following completion of the transaction after all conditions precedent are met, CFR will rebrand all 30 stores under the Tops brand and integrate them into CFR's ecosystem. The company plans to leverage its retail expertise to modernize and improve operational efficiency across the newly acquired locations.

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Community

Actress Anne Open to Working with Aum on Drama Series

Actress Anne expressed willingness to collaborate with Aum on a drama series during the AumAum marketplace opening at Mega Bangna, while recovering from a weighted ball training incident that narrowly avoided serious injury.

Actress Anne Open to Working with Aum on Drama Series
7 Aug Khaosod

Actresses Anne Thongprasem and Aum Patchrapa drew fan excitement when they crossed paths at the AumAum marketplace opening at Mega Bangna shopping center, ground floor banking zone. Anne revealed she came specifically to support Aum and emphasized that she would happily take on a drama series with her if given the chance. She also updated her condition after being struck in the face by a weighted ball during training, which narrowly avoided serious injury but fortunately caused no harm. She is still preparing to run a marathon despite reduced training time due to heavy work commitments.

When asked why she came to Aum's event, Anne stated: "Whatever Aum does, I'm ready to support. I'm happy with her idea to help vendors boost business. It's beneficial overall, and I'm genuinely pleased with her success." Regarding the rarity of the two actresses meeting, Anne noted they work for different television channels and don't often get opportunities to collaborate, despite being allies rather than rivals as some perceive. She expressed enthusiasm about potentially working together on a series, saying they could do comedy, drama, or anything in between.

Anne also discussed attending the recent wedding of fellow actors Nadech and Yaya, describing it as a warm family gathering rather than a formal ceremony. She left early at 8:30 p.m., attributing it to her age and sleep schedule. When asked about the weighted ball incident, she explained that she and James had been training when she suggested they switch to a lighter 3-kilogram ball instead of the original 6-kilogram one. Unfortunately, the ball hit her face directly, and she managed to brace herself just in time. She heard a loud ringing sound in her ears but escaped without injury, calling it a cautionary lesson against that particular exercise.

Regarding her marathon preparation, Anne said she remains committed despite heavier work schedules limiting her training. She approaches the event with a relaxed mindset, focused on enjoyment rather than competitive performance or hitting specific time targets. She expressed newfound passion for fitness, describing it as opening a new world of health, friendship, and community, and she encourages others to join her running journey.

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National

Popular Backpacker YouTuber Hlun Solo Laid to Rest in Thailand

Popular solo travel YouTuber Hlun Solo's body was laid to rest in his hometown of Samet, Kalasin province, on August 7, with thousands of fans and officials gathering to pay respects following his death in Georgia.

Popular Backpacker YouTuber Hlun Solo Laid to Rest in Thailand
7 Aug Khaosod

Relatives tearfully received the body of Hlun Solo, or Bworwuthat Phaengsuk, a famous solo backpacking YouTuber who died in Georgia, at his hometown in Moo 10, Samet subdistrict, Samet district, Kalasin province on August 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The Kalasin governor, members of parliament, district officials, teachers, volunteers, neighbors, and several thousand fans gathered to receive the body and pay respects amid media and YouTuber presence, with police and rescue volunteers maintaining order. Tents set up along the street outside the house were supported by the Samet subdistrict municipality.

Hlun Solo's body arrived at 5:18 p.m. in a white van, carried by five rescue workers who helped lift the coffin from the vehicle. His uncle and sister, holding his photograph, led the coffin containing Hlun into the house amid a sorrowful atmosphere. Many relatives wept and some appeared faint, requiring medical assistance from a medical team.

Hlun's grandmother remained secluded inside the house, unable to bear seeing her grandson's face as she could not come to terms with his sudden death. The body was brought inside and placed in a cold storage coffin during a religious ceremony, with the family requesting privacy and prohibiting media from filming, a process that took approximately 30 minutes.

Once Hlun's body was secured in the cold storage coffin, a religious ceremony was conducted with Kalasin Governor Suwannathan Khemthanphet presiding. The governor announced that evening chanting ceremonies will be held each night from August 8-10, with the funeral service scheduled for August 11 at Rangsee Chatchawal Temple, Moo 4, Samet subdistrict, Samet district, Kalasin province.

Hlun Solo, or Bworwuthat Phaengsuk, was a renowned Thai solo backpacking YouTuber and travel influencer with millions of followers, known for his solo journeys across more than 50 countries, particularly those that are difficult to access or considered high-risk destinations.

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National

TSD Data Breach Exposes 200,000 Thai Investors' Personal Info

Thailand's Securities Depository Company confirmed a data breach affecting 200,000 investors' personal information including ID numbers and bank account details, though trading assets remained secure. Authorities are investigating the acces

TSD Data Breach Exposes 200,000 Thai Investors' Personal Info
7 Aug Khaosod

Thailand's Securities Depository Company (TSD) confirmed a cybersecurity breach of its Investor Portal system detected on July 25, 2025, affecting around 200,000 of its 5 million account holders. The unauthorized access exposed personal data including names, dates of birth, national ID numbers, addresses, phone numbers, emails, brokerage firm names, trading account numbers, and bank account information, though securities holdings, trading records, and login credentials remained secure. TSD Manager Pichaya Chomchaiyya apologized and announced remediation measures.

Thailand Securities Exchange officials identified the root cause as an access control vulnerability in the User Profile system that allowed one user to modify another user's ID and access their data. The flaw was immediately closed following discovery, and authorities are investigating the perpetrator. The Stock Exchange of Thailand emphasized that the TSD Investor Portal is a separate information service system unconnected to settlement or trading systems, so no investor assets were affected.

The Exchange announced comprehensive cybersecurity upgrades including AI-powered anomaly detection, increased penetration testing, enhanced authentication systems, and migration to new platforms. Thai authorities warned the public that leaked personal data could be misused for identity fraud, unauthorized financial service applications, credit fraud, or phishing schemes, urging investors to monitor their accounts and verify contact sources. The Technology Crime Investigation Division is actively investigating to prosecute the perpetrator.

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Tourism

Adidas Launches CODECHAOS 27 Golf Shoe With Celebrity Event

Adidas Thailand launched the CODECHAOS 27 golf shoe, featuring waterproof construction and enhanced grip technology designed for competitive play in wet and dry conditions.

Adidas Launches CODECHAOS 27 Golf Shoe With Celebrity Event
7 Aug Khaosod

Adidas Thailand unveiled the latest CODECHAOS 27 clipless competition-level golf shoe at an exclusive launch event titled "CHAOS FEELS GOOD Bangkok Launch Event," introducing enhanced performance across comfort, grip, and stability. The new shoe features advanced technologies including TWISTSKIN upper with waterproof dual-layer construction, AXISLOCK dual-injected material shaping in the midsole for optimal stability, and full-length BOOST cushioning paired with the improved TWISTGRIP outsole technology. The CODECHAOS 27 BOA model features a 120% increase in TWISTGRIP coverage compared to its predecessor, while the lace version showcases TWISTGRIP in the forefoot combined with adiwear® rubber, offering golfers maximum grip and comfort in both wet and dry conditions with four distinct traction stud shapes for comprehensive ground contact.

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National

Coach Ott Gives Chatchaon Time to Readjust After Comeback

Thailand's women's volleyball coach gave returning player Chatchaon Mogsri extended playing time after her injury comeback to help her regain confidence, despite early nerves affecting her performance. Coach Ott praised the team's overall e

Coach Ott Gives Chatchaon Time to Readjust After Comeback
7 Aug Khaosod

Thai national women's volleyball coach Kiattipong Ratchatagriang (Coach Ott) commended all his players for their full effort in the match, saying that while the first game had some excitement, the team achieved the target victory. He acknowledged areas needing improvement, particularly blocking performance in the early stages, and expressed optimism that Thursday's match against Indonesia will show better results. He noted the team made 11 serving errors and accepted responsibility for that penalty.

Regarding Chatchaon Mogsri, who made her return to the court for the first time since recovering from injury, Coach Ott explained that she was still nervous and couldn't control herself as well as needed, though he had anticipated this possibility. Rather than substitute her frequently, he allowed her to play extended minutes to find her rhythm. He expressed confidence she will improve gradually, as she is an intelligent player with good instincts for reading the game.

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National

Senior Buddhist Monk Appointed Provincial Head in Nakhon Sawan

A senior Buddhist monk with a master's degree in educational administration has been appointed provincial head monk of Nakhon Sawan, overseeing religious affairs for the province.

Senior Buddhist Monk Appointed Provincial Head in Nakhon Sawan
7 Aug Khaosod

On July 26, 2026, Somdet Phra Mahadhirajarn (Pasit Khemmangkro), abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphorn Vimolmangkhlaram and vice chairman of the Sangha Supreme Council overseeing the northern region, presided over the formal presentation of the Supreme Patriarch's appointment order designating Phra Dhammavachirapon (Rid Ridwetee), abbot of Wat Tak Fa in Nakhon Sawan, as provincial head monk of Nakhon Sawan. The ceremony took place at the northern regional ecclesiastical office meeting room at Wat Phra Chetuphorn Vimolmangkhlaram.

Phra Dhammavachirapon, regarded as a highly capable senior monk, has dedicated himself to advancing monastic educational programs with unwavering commitment. Currently 62 years old with 42 Buddhist Lent observances to his name, he serves as abbot of Wat Tak Fa, a royal temple in Tak Fa District, Nakhon Sawan, and now assumes his new role as provincial ecclesiastical administrator. Born on Wednesday, July 2, 1964, at house number 25, village 4, Ban Nong Nam, Tak Tok subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, to parents Samran and Kern Thubeiuam who worked in agriculture.

After completing fourth-grade primary education, when asked if he wished to ordain as a monk, he readily agreed, having long harbored deep reverence for Buddhism. He took monastic vows on September 11, 1977, at Wat San Pa Lan in Tak Auk subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, with Phra Khru Wisakij Anuwat, the subdistrict ecclesiastical administrator, as his ordaining preceptor.

From ages 8 to 18, he studied meditation and mental discipline under Luang Pho Bua Klai at Wat Khantong in Tak. He then pursued advanced monastic textual studies in both Pali and Dharma traditions under Phra Ratchasuvarnarsobphan at Wat Bodhi Rat in Ang Thong Province, earning top honors and advanced scriptural certifications before transferring to Wat Tak Fa.

At age 20, he underwent full higher ordination on May 14, 1984, at Wat Tak Fa's ordination boundary, with Phra Khru Nakhom Khet Kanarak, the district ecclesiastical administrator, serving as his preceptor. He subsequently pursued advanced monastic studies, eventually earning the highest level of scriptural certification.

In 2000, he completed a master's degree in educational administration from Naresuan University. His contributions to monastic education have earned widespread recognition. In 1995, he received an award for establishing distinguished Pali studies programs; in 1997, he received certification for excellence in Dharma and Pali education from the provincial monastic education committee. In 2001, Wat Tak Fa was designated as the provincial center for Pali studies by the Sangha Supreme Council.

In 2001, he received commendation from the Department of Non-Formal Education, Ministry of Education. In 2003, he received the Sao Samadharmachakra Award for meritorious service to Buddhism in monastic education. His ecclesiastical rank has been elevated four times: in 1996 to Phra Racha Kana (Third Class, Phra Srisuddhi Wetee); in 2006 to Phra Racha Kana (Second Class, Phra Rajapanya Wetee); in 2016 to Phra Racha Kana (First Class, Phra Thepphanya Phon); and most recently on April 20, 2026, to the rank of Phra Dhammavachirapon.

On February 4, 2006, Wat Tak Fa received a royal visit from Princess Sirindhorn, who toured the temple's educational programs and graciously donated 10,000 baht from her personal funds to support monastic meals. This donation was established as a perpetual educational support fund.

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Police

YouTuber Grieves After Friend Found Dead in Chao Phraya River

YouTuber Yuan DragonFive discovered his friend Tae DragonFive dead in the Chao Phraya River near Bangkok after Tae went missing on August 6; the body was found weighed down with concrete blocks and bricks.

YouTuber Grieves After Friend Found Dead in Chao Phraya River
7 Aug Khaosod

YouTuber Yuan DragonFive expressed deep sadness after seeing the body of his friend Tae DragonFive, revealing they had spoken recently when Tae was having problems, and Yuan had promised to help him fully. The body of 46-year-old Detiwech Detpan, known as Tae DragonFive, was found in the Chao Phraya River beneath Rama VII Bridge in Nonthaburi province on August 7, 2569, after he left his house at 4 a.m. on August 6 with his bicycle and went missing.

At 4:30 p.m. on August 7, 2569, Yuan DragonFive arrived at the Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station to view his friend's body for the last time, visibly grief-stricken. Yuan shared that in the days before his friend's death, he had called Tae and learned he was facing difficulties. Yuan had told him not to worry and that they would help each other fully. That night, Yuan said he woke up startled in the middle of the night.

When Yuan learned from rescue workers that heavy concrete blocks and bricks weighing significant amounts had been placed in a backpack attached to the body, he was shocked and exclaimed in disbelief. Tae's mother told reporters briefly before leaving that she had not slept that night, staring at the front door throughout, hoping her son would return home.

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Police

Man Accused of Dragging Dog Miles Behind Motorcycle

A man in Lampang Province is accused of dragging a dog for several kilometers behind his motorcycle before abandoning it at a market; he claims the leash became accidentally tangled while he was fleeing from aggressive dogs.

Man Accused of Dragging Dog Miles Behind Motorcycle
7 Aug Khaosod

A disturbing incident shocked dog lovers when, at 3:35 a.m. on August 6, 2025, a black Labrador with a collar and leash was dragged for several kilometers behind a motorcycle before being abandoned in critical condition outside Omsin Market in Muang District, Lampang Province. The dog was covered in blood, but market vendors discovered it, pooled money for emergency treatment, and rushed it to Lampang Veterinary Hospital.

On August 7 at 2 p.m., Nai Sen, a 58-year-old trader, presented himself to police with his Honda Wave 100 motorcycle and gave a statement. He claimed he had no intention of harming or killing the dog, but that two or three dogs chased him while he was riding, and he did not realize the dog's leash had become tangled on his motorcycle. Frightened of being bitten, he continued riding until he noticed the dog had stopped moving. He did not stop because he feared the dog might get up and bite him. He stated he had driven to the market to quickly buy goods for his business, and when vendors helped free the leash, he hurried off to shop without checking on the dog because he needed to earn a living.

Nai Sen expressed that the harsh criticism on social media made him feel depressed and stressed, as he did not know the dog was attached to his motorcycle or whose dog it was. He suggested that dog owners should keep their pets confined indoors rather than letting them run loose chasing vehicles on the road to prevent such accidents in the future. Police are currently investigating the motorcycle and testing whether the leash could have become entangled as he claimed, and will proceed with legal action based on their findings.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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